1. Using authentic materials
Joanna Watson
EAQUALS – Budapest
April 2014

2. Aims
• To identify a range of authentic
materials
• To explore the use of authentic
materials in the classroom for different
levels
• The value of using authentic materials

3. Authentic materials
• Newspapers
• Magazines
• News broadcasts –
audio/video
• Timetables
• Maps
• Forms
• Road signs
• Menus
• Films
• Commercials
• Adverts
• And…………

4. Too difficult?
Yes they are!
Don’t edit or grade the text
Grade the task according to level
This reflects the ‘real’ situation in the
language environment
Saves the teacher time
Encourages and motivates students –
they ‘conquer’ a real text!

5. Stephen Krashen
Distinction between acquisition and
learning
Acquisition – language we pick up
subconsciously
Learning – language we consciously study

6. Example
A tourist information leaflet
Advantages
free/multiple copies/no copyright
worries
Activate schemata
Are available in all languages therefore
can be used in any language classroom

7. Creating tasks
Remember
Don’t edit or grade the text
Grade the task according to the level
Appropriate level of challenge

8. Reflection
Ask yourself:
How many of these would access
schemata?
How many of these would be useful in
the real world?
How many of these could lead to
further project work?
How many of these might you try in your
own classes?